NCDOT to hold I-26 meeting, discuss schedule and changes

Staff

Wednesday

Apr 11, 2018 at 4:29 PMApr 11, 2018 at 4:37 PM

ASHEVILLE — With the potential start date for construction on Interstate 26 drawing closer, NCDOT officials will hold a meeting Monday to discuss a tentative schedule, a decision on the U.S. 25 interchange, decision on the U.S. 64 interchange and new information for river users during construction.

The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to widen I-26 between U.S. 25 south of Hendersonville and the I-26/I-40/I-240 interchange.

Monday's public meeting will take place from 4-7 p.m. at Biltmore Baptist Church, Arden campus, 35 Clayton Road.

Right of way acquisition is scheduled for this year and construction is slated to start in 2019.

Transportation and local officials have decided to install a diverging diamond interchange at Asheville Highway/U.S. 25 (Exit 44), which is similar to the I-26/Airport Road interchange, but with improved turning accommodations.

Selecting the diverging diamond instead of a partial cloverleaf reduces the number of relocations from 11 to zero, and the number of impacted properties from 43 to 11.

Officials have also chosen a partial cloverleaf with enhanced left turns for the interchange with U.S. 64/Four Seasons Boulevard (Exit 49). This design keeps two of the existing loop ramps and directs all exiting vehicles from I-26 to make right turns onto Four Seasons Boulevard.

It also includes lanes designed to move all traffic patterns more efficiently and includes accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The NCDOT is also developing initial safety plans for kayakers and other boaters who pass under I-26 on the French Broad River. NCDOT will provide a safe passage lane in the water that will include navigational aids to reduce the risk of accidents.

The public may attend the meeting at any time, as no formal presentation will be made. Representatives will be available to answer questions and listen to comments.

Interested parties may submit comments at the meeting, or over the phone, via email or mail until May 1. Those comments will be considered as the project develops.

Information and materials may also be viewed as they become available at www.ncdot.gov/projects/i26Widening/.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Caitlyn Ridge, Environmental Analysis Unit, at ceridge1@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6091 as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

Persons who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.